The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Monday announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, citing the country's continued involvement in the Yemeni Civil War.

"The criminal Saudi enemy continues its unjust and brutal siege on our dear people for nearly twelve years," the Houthis said in a statement. "The Yemeni Armed Forces announce a maritime ban on the criminal Saudi enemy."

Notably, the Houthi statement does not directly link their actions to the ongoing Iran war, which has seen Tehran and Washington return to active fighting in recent weeks.

The Houthis previously closed the Bab al Mandeb, which controls access to the Red Sea. That action prompted intervention from the U.S. Navy last year.

The scope of the blockade remains unclear, but comes amid disruption to commerce in the Strait of Hormuz. The renewed hostilities in the Red Sea, moreover, will likely compound the problems for international shipping.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.